Articles in ‘Money & Finance’

Thousands of New Zealand first-home buyers are confronting the painful aftermath of the housing boom, with properties purchased near the market peak now worth less than the mortgages secured against them. While economists say negative equity is generally manageable for borrowers who can continue making repayments, it can leave households effectively trapped — unable to sell, relocate or access the equity they expected their home to build. eLocal…

Energy Minister Simeon Brown says there is no single solution to New Zealand's high electricity bills, with the Government now examining whether changes to the regulation of power distribution companies could put downward pressure on prices. Network charges for poles, wires and substations make up around a quarter of household power bills and have accounted for two-thirds of recent increases. eLocal Report: Based on reporting by RNZ's Morning…

Russia has introduced a landmark cryptocurrency law that brings digital asset trading into the country's regulated financial system. While Russians will soon be able to buy and sell approved cryptocurrencies through licensed exchanges, digital currencies will remain prohibited as a means of payment inside the country. INR Report: Based on reporting by RT HERE. · Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed the Law on Digital Currencies and…

Hundreds of thousands of New Zealanders routinely check for tax refunds, but far fewer realise Inland Revenue also holds unclaimed money that may rightfully belong to individuals, families, businesses and estates. With more than $600 million currently recorded as unclaimed, it may be worth taking a few minutes to search. eLocal Report: Based on reporting by RNZ HERE. · Report by eLocal · Many New Zealanders may be unaware that Inland Revenue…

Most people spend decades earning, saving and borrowing money without ever questioning where new money comes from. Adam Stokes argues that understanding the mechanics of modern banking may be the first step toward achieving greater financial independence and making more informed financial decisions. elocal Report: Based on The Math of Freedom with Adam Stokes and Bisher Khudeira HERE. · Most people are taught how to earn money, save money and…

An estimated $1.3 trillion has been wiped from global markets as investors suddenly reassess the extraordinary valuations attached to artificial intelligence. In her latest World Affairs In Context podcast, Lena Petrova argues that the AI boom is entering a critical new phase as markets begin asking tougher questions about profits, valuations and economic reality. ELOCAL REPORT · For almost three years, artificial intelligence has been the…

Kiwibank economists are warning that the Reserve Bank may now begin raising interest rates far sooner than previously expected, despite signs of weakening demand and slowing economic growth across New Zealand. By elocal · The latest Kiwibank analysis follows the Reserve Bank’s decision to hold the Official Cash Rate at 2.25%, although the Monetary Policy Committee was reportedly split 3-3 on whether rates should rise immediately. · According…

Kiwibank's latest economic commentary presents a picture that may look contradictory on the surface. Markets are reacting to peace headlines from the Middle East, fuel prices remain elevated, growth indicators are soft, and uncertainty still hangs over the economy. But beneath the volatility sits a message that may provide some cautious optimism for New Zealand households and businesses. By elocal Economic Desk · The key takeaway is not that…

Australia's latest budget changes are prompting renewed discussion around the differences between New Zealand and Australian tax systems, with some Australian commentators now describing New Zealand as a "tax haven" for investors and business owners. By elocal Report Desk · !Australia's latest government Budget has prompted some strong reactions · Australia's latest government Budget has prompted some strong reactions. Source: 123rf · The…

Kiwibank Update: Markets Hold Steady As Pressure Builds Beneath The Surface · by elocal Economics Desk · Kiwibank’s latest commentary paints a picture of an economy that, on the surface, appears stable, but beneath that surface, pressure is continuing to build across multiple fronts. · At the centre of the update is a growing disconnect between global market behaviour and underlying economic risk. · Oil Volatility Returns · Global oil markets…